I was bemused by the cartoon in the March 21 Reporter “showing” why the Legislature cannot pass a transportation package. One wonders exactly which tax the cartoon’s harvester-operator believes will increase if the westside gets needed transportation infrastructure.

Income tax? Ha! Business & Occupation Tax? Agriculture and ranching don’t pay that tax. Sales tax? Nearly all agricultural products are exempt. Fuel tax? Exempted on agricultural operations, but possibly it could impact taxes on personal driving.

So let’s look at that: the 2013 County by County Transportation Analysis shows the estimated return per dollar contributed for transportation from 11rural wheat-growing counties is $1.14. King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties receive $0.96 back in benefits for each dollar contributed.

It seems some eastside legislators encourage a rift between Washington’s citizens, as the “Us against Them” mantra seems to keep their votes coming. However, reality is that the Puget Sound region is the economic engine of Washington state.

With only 51 percent of Washington’s population, King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties produce 68 percent of Washington’s payroll, and 59 percent of taxable sales, which fund the state along with the B&O tax. Total covered wages paid by all agricultural crop production in Washington is about 0.93 percent of Washington’s payroll.

Next time you’re stuck in urban gridlock, think about the legislators in eastern Washington voting against you – the person paying their bills. What the heck? Drive over there to visit your tax dollars.

Bob McCoy, Sammamish